Past News Releases

Through-the-wall hydrants are installed on almost every house. They are good for washing the car, watering the flowers, and other outdoor chores. With frost-free hydrants the handle is on the outside of the house and the seat is on the inside. “When you turn the hydrant off the water in the column drains forward and out, preventing the hydrant from freezing and bursting,” says Bob Beall, the most referred plumber in the Northeast Ohio and Southwest Pennsylvania area.

It is very important to remove the hose from the hydrant in the winter, says Mr. Rooter. “If the hose is left attached, water from the hydrant will drain into the hose, and a hard freeze may burst it.”
Mr. Rooter’s Tip Of The Day

Tip #1 To install a wall-mounted frost-free unit, first attach the interface fitting for the kind of pipe installed in your home or commercial property. They may include: copper, PEX, or CPVC. The easiest way is to screw on a universal fitting (such as a Sharkbite) that fits all.

Tip #2 Most hydrants even though they have 1/2-inch male threads, will also accept copper sweat-fittings on the inside, if a homeowner prefers.

Tip #3 Once the fitting is attached, measure its outside width.

Tip #4 Using a rotary hammer (in masonry) or a hole saw (in the rim joist), open a hole in the wall slightly larger than the fitting.

Tip #5 Typically the hole should be about the height of a 5-gallon bucket off the ground. Dry-fit the hydrant to make sure it will slip all the way into the hole.

Tip #6 Level the hydrant, and mark the screw holes on each side. Withdraw the hydrant, and drill the screw holes.

Tip #7 Put some silicone sealant around the hole on the wall, and insert the hydrant.

Tip #8 Remove the handle and drive in the attachment screws.

Tip #9 Reattach the handle.

Tip #10 Connect the hydrant’s pipe into the house pipe, and you are done. Ready for winter the Mr. Rooter way!